Dunne rescues Republic at the death

By Christopher Davies in Dublin

12:01AM BST 10 Sep 2003

Republic of Ireland (1) 2 Turkey (0) 2

Turkey warmed up for their Euro 2004 showdown against England with a draw secured by Richard Dunne's stoppage-time equaliser when he forced the ball over the line from Ian Harte's corner following a mistake by Zafer, the visitors' third goalkeeper of the game.

Okan Yilmaz's 86th-minute goal from Ergun's centre had seemed to give Turkey their first win in Dublin before the visitors' goalkeeping reached almost farcical levels. When they attacked, Turkey, showing patience and poise, looked dangerous with a variety of options but Ireland were equal to the challenge as they prepared for their decisive tie in Switzerland.

David Connolly's first international goal for two years was cancelled out by Hakan Sukur in an entertaining friendly which saw a comical substitute appearance by goalkeeper Omer, who was himself substituted.

Ireland themselves showed seven changes from the team who drew 1-1with Russia as they attempted to extend Brian Kerr's eight-game unbeaten run as manager.

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Seven of the Turkey side defeated 2-0 by England at the Stadium of Light last March started against Ireland, who were captained by Mark Kinsella in the absence of the injured Kenny Cunningham.

The technical ability of the Turks, which helped them to third place at the 2002 World Cup, was evident as the visitors broke from defence.

Emre, the Inter Milan playmaker, was usually at the centre of their best moves, his left foot stroking the ball to team-mates with ease and accuracy.

However, an obvious Turkey weakness was Alpay, who has played little club football for Aston Villa over the past year and in the 36th minute looked slow and cumbersome as Connolly gave Ireland the lead. There was no immediate danger when Connolly collected Steve Finnan's long clearance from defence on the left wing outside the Turkey penalty area.

Alpay closed Connolly down but the West Ham striker moved inside and the Villa defender backed off, allowing the former Wimbledon player to beat Rustu with a superb shot from 20 yards.

Whatever Turkey's defensive frailties, Ireland were probably disappointed Alpay did not re-appear for the second-half. But, going forward, the visitors were impressive and seven minutes after the interval Sukur equalised with his 40th goal in 87 internationals.

Tugay slipped the ball to Ergun, whose left-foot cross was headed past Nick Colgan by the former Blackburn striker, who had timed his run to perfection.